Nike x Zalando - Play Like a Pro

About the Campaign

“Role models will put you on track. Mentors will keep you on it.”

If somebody would have told me in 2019 - the year when I decided to go freelance - that my first project as a Creative Director is going to be a campaign for Nike, I would’ve told them to cut back on shrooms. And yet, Play Like a Pro launched on Zalando in November 2021.

Nike’s authentic storytelling DNA played out every step of the way from location scouting to casting and editing. But what really brought it all together was the utterly inspiring story of Léon Schaefer.

For most of us, losing a leg at age 12 is inconceivable. Yet even at this young age, Leon knew that greatness manifests in actions. So on the very day of his operation, he decided to become an Olympian. (Once again, he was 12 years old!) However, it was our conscious decision not to mention his life-changing event in our campaign.

After reading countless interviews with him and having several talks with the client about Leon’s achievements as an athlete and as a person I realized: Leon is so much more than one of the winningest young talents in para-sports. He is an extremely inspiring, kindhearted, and generous person who serves as a mentor and role model for young athletes around the world.

This is the story of Leon and Michelle.

Role: Creative Director, Writer, Interviewer
Date: 2021